Northampton product Tiani Teakle’s strong start to the season has earned her selection in the WAFLW squad for this year’s State match against South Australia next month.
She is now officially the Mid West’s most capped player, earning two call-ups over the past two years, and is among 13 players to have returned to the side from last year.
A reliable defender, Teakle started her season in style, averaging 13 disposals, while taking 14 marks and laying nine tackles across four games this season.
The 19-year-old has also demonstrated tremendous leadership ability, being entrusted with captaincy through a period of change for East Fremantle.
Since its first edition in 2024, WA have yet to beat South Australia but will hope to turn to clinch their first win and bragging rights this time around.
Two Mid West players have earned selection in the women’s side, with former Demon Fina Dethlefsen also named in last year’s side.
The former Railways player has since been drafted by Richmond in the AFLW, and is ineligible for selection this year.
Four Sharks players, including Teakle, will represent WA, with Mackenzie Webb, Jae Flynn and Noa McNaughton also getting picked in the side.
The State game has become a staple on the men’s and women’s State league footy fixture, with the men’s squad unannounced at the time of print.
Last year, SANFLW defeated the WAFLW side 6.5 (41) to 4.9 (33) at Adelaide Oval, while the WAFL side had a seven-year drought-breaking 30-point win against the SANFL.
The WAFLW vs SANFLW game begins at 12.40pm on Saturday May 16 at Sullivan Logistics Stadium in Leederville.
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